Distinguished Economist in Residence, American University;
author, The African Development Conundrum,
in Making Poor Nations Rich.

For decades, efforts to end world poverty have focused on redistributing wealth, rather than creating it. This approach, however, has done little to foster long-term economic progress. In Africa, for example, average gross domestic product fell by more than 16 percent from 1975 to 2000, despite billions of dollars in foreign aid. Critics charge that government development assistance suppresses local enterprises and markets and is too often squandered by oppressive regimes.

Fortunately, a growing body of research points toward a simple, but often overlooked, approach that some countries have been using with remarkable success. Why are so many countries foundering economically while others are prospering? What is the secret to economic growth that can lift more countries out of poverty? Please join us as Benjamin Powell, Alvaro Vargas Llosa, and George Ayittey uncover the secrets to making poor nations rich and ending the abject poverty affecting billions of people worldwide.

Making Poor Nations Rich

For the sake of many millions of people trapped in poverty, I wish politicians of all ideological persuasions would pay careful attention to the arguments expounded by this remarkable book.
Ernesto Zedillo, former President of Mexico; Director, Yale Center for the Study of Globalization

The lessons of Making Poor Nations Rich are clear. Citizens, reformers, policymakers, new-nation builders, and those that direct stalled societies, will find much to reflect upon in this well-structured, thoughtful, and hard-hitting book.
Colin M. MacLachlan, John Christie Barr Distinguished Professor of History, Tulane University

Making Poor Nations Rich gives readers a deeper understanding of the true forces of economic growth, and how economic policies and institutions can work to inhibit them or allow them to flourish.
Arnold C. Harberger, Distinguished Professor of Economics, UCLA